The Pitty Pat Pages

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday, December 8, 2016

We got to spend a rainy Saturday with KT and Joss last weekend, and we had lots of fun! Here's a few photos from our day!

We went to the library and spent some time in the children's area.....

and then took advantage of the First Saturday book sale to buy a few used books to add to the library at our house. They were having a bake sale, too, so the girls picked out a few cookies and brownies to eat after lunch.

Next we went to the local Thrift Store and picked ups some real gems! The girls picked out two things each, and then they both decided on something for Max. We bought him a real cute little dark gray puppy dog with blue eyes for him.

When we got home it was time for lunch, then we disinfected and washed everything that we bought at the thrift store so the girls could play with them.

Next they took turns riding on top of Grumpy, who kept dumping them on to the carpet. I think they liked that the best, and he got a real work out!

Then Joss fell asleep...

and KT painted a couple of pine cones for me. She loves art and painting anything.

So late putting this up, but I've had such computer/connection to iPhone problems, and haven't been able to get pictures off of my phone until now! New laptop! Yoohoo!!!

Sunday after Thanksgiving we took our annual trip to the Christmas tree farm in Pipe Creek -- we've been getting our tree there for so many years, and this year we had our whole family there! Max's first trip, Joss was really into it this year, and KT is an old hand at it!

A little over 4 ft tall!

Beautiful ornaments....

What a smile!

She was showing me some kind of dance here....

This boy is getting so big!

Then we came home and had lunch together! I'm so blessed this year to have my whole family around us for the holidays. I know how lucky I am.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

I've spent some time working on a few little projects in the kitchen lately. First I made another batch of cheese, and this one turned out so much better!

JR got me a gallon of milk with a lot of cream in it for me to work with.

After letting it sit and firm up, I processed it with some sugar, cranberries and nuts. Delicious!

Much like cream cheese, but not as smooth. We're using it on bagels anyway, and it's great.

I've been trying to keep up with the peppers from the garden until we get the first freeze. They're still going strong, so I'm chopping and freezing when I get a batch together.

And last, I've been wanting to try making cranberry wine, but I had to wait until cranberries showed up in the stores. I had some "holiday" wine the last two Christmas seasons that is made by Fat Ass Winery (they are in Fredericksburg, TX.) It is just delicious, so I've been wanting to try myself. Sadly, this won't be ready to drink until Christmas, 2017, but you have to start somewhere, right?! ha!

This will sit in the bucket for 5 days (stirring daily) and then strain and move to the carboy. It won't even be bottled for about 4 months, so it's a long term project. Should be just about a gallon.

Even if I did turn 66 years old! And I can't believe I have a 40 year old son. Goodness, that sounds old.We all got together for a dinner together to celebrate mine and JR's birthday (we're only 4 days apart) at a restaurant -- we had a great time! Then we went back to Colleen and Jeff's house to have some delicious cupcakes that she had ordered for us. A fun time was had by all!

My lovely family!

Joss just loves to hug on Max!

John got me some beautiful yellow roses (the same flower I used in our wedding!) A tradition now.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Driving through our little community other day and this was on the local day care center sign. It was just what I needed at the time. I know lots of us are very anxious over this election and the general state of our country right now. I needed to see this at just that time. Hope it helps someone else out there tonight and tomorrow. Remember, just breath.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

We got to spend Halloween evening with the whole family!! Colleen and Jeff invited us all over to have dinner and then enjoy watching the kids dress up and trick-or-treat. Our niece Adrienne and her husband, Marcos, even joined us!

Joss wanted to put on her own makeup! She was Minnie Mouse!

KT is "Mal" from the Disney show Descendants. Mal is Malificent's daughter. If you don't know who Malificent is, I can't help you. ha ha! I can hardly keep up with the Disney shows anymore.

JR and Ashley were space, and Max is an astronaut! So cute!!!

The Koenig's!

These three....I'm so lucky!

Adrienne finally got to meet Max! Adrienne and Marcos have had almost NO time off while SeaWorld has been having their Halloween season.